what is red rooibos

it even tastes good sideways!

Red Rooibos tea explained

What is it? Why drink it? What benefits? 

The needle like leaves of this fair trade organic certified rooibos are only grown in the high mountains of South Africa’s Cape region.  Used in Africa for centuries, it is becoming popular in western countries for it’s amazing health benefits and flavor.

Showing some of the highest antioxidant levels found in herbs with 3 times as much as green tea, this bush tea has no caffeine or the tannins found in black teas that create the bitter after taste.  It is also rich in minerals.

With sweet, slightly nutty and woodsy tones this tea has a depth of flavor that allows it to be steeped again and again if desired.

It acts as an antispasmodic agent to relief stomach cramps and colic in babies. It is also used to help nervous tension, allergies, digestive problems, asthma and skin clearing.

Also has components known to fight cancer.

It combines well with many flavors and has been blended with flowers, chai spices, fruits and citrus, vanilla, chocolate and more.

At T's Tonics it is the base for our Walk in the Jungle Tea, combined with cinnamon chips, cloves, herbs and spices.  And it is blended in our latest beautiful Bark and Blooms valentine tea with hibiscus, rose petals, rosehips and jasmine buds. That can be found at Tres Jolie de Bend, Newport Market in Bend and CE Lovejoys in Bend.

Love that Hibiscus Rooibos

Love at first sip!

Our latest tea favorite. You've got to try it! An amazing Red Rooibos and hibiscus blend.  We're calling it Bark & Blooms, you'll see why. 

How do you fill your cup up with deep red goodness?

You take some organic dried hibiscus flowers, (tart burst of flavor, high vit. C, lovely color)

Add some Jasmine flower buds (the love flower)

then some Pau'D Arco 

(a whole system supporter, blood and skin purifier, I add this to most of my teas)

Throw in some red rose petals, 

(not only a symbol of love, it's soothing to throat and stomach and mildly delicious)

Add all of this together with some fair trade organic red rooibos and sweet rosehips. 

Steep a teaspoon full for 4 minutes in hot water, add 1/2 teaspoon honey or agave, and you have yourself one flavorful cup of tea! 

Here at T's Tonics we've bagged it up pretty and added a heart shaped tea infuser.  Bribery gift for your loved one.  They have to share!
  Not available on our website.  Request at info@tstonics.com if you are interested. Retail price is $10.  Makes 40-50 cups of tea.

“Love is the most universal, formidable and mysterious of cosmic energies.” –Chardin

tea and love

Love and tea.  What's not to love?

“Love and scandal are the best sweeteners of tea.”  - Henry Fielding (1707-1754)

Ari thought compressed tea leaf hearts were so cool!

It's a new year and I am already thinking ahead to my one of my favorite holidays, Valentine's Day, and all of the mushy love quotes, recipes and herbs that symbolize love that I want to share with you.

So I'm getting started early. I plan on posting them periodically throughout the month of January up until Valentine's so beware!  We are talking good clean love and fun quotes here. This is a PG rated family site!

But speaking of love and herbs:  Did you know that some chai spices are good for the libido?  Cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper, cardomon, and ginger all increase circulation and can help elevate energy and passion!  

Ylang Ylang, Jasmine and Rose also help balance emotions and enhance relationships.  These in essential oil form are powerful and lovely fragrances that naturally make me think of love and warmth.  (Not the cheap old lady rose smell, the really expensive real rose smell)

I am going to have fun with teas and yummy smells this week.  Hope yours is good too!